Landscape

Game

The forest and vlei zones of Phinda are home to red duiker, nyala, suni antelope, bushpig or red squirrel. Phinda has the largest privately owned population of nyala in the world. Spotted genet, porcupines and bush babies appear after dark. In the mountain and rocky zones, you may spot mountain reedbuck and chacma baboon.

To the east of Phinda lies the warm, inviting waters of the Indian Ocean. On the reefs of Sodwana, Whale Shark, Moray Eel, Leatherback and Loggerhead Turtle, crab, starfish and iridescent nudibranch sway with the rhythm of the tides.

Birds

Forest birds include the striking Purple-crested Lourie (Turaco) and the Bluemantled Flycatcher. In the mountains, look out for White-bellied Sunbird and Scarlet-chested Sunbird.

Reptiles and Insects

Flora

On the rocky slopes, Broadleaved Camphor and Rock Cabbage are distinctive, while fig trees grow in rock crevices. Large Mountain Aloes and Common Coral Trees brighten up the winter landscape.

Habitats

What differentiates Phinda from other safari destinations is the reserve's seven different ecosystems. These are very obvious and unusual. Inside the borders of a single reserve lies a mosaic of varied habitats such as ilala palm, savannah, montane grasslands, riverine forest, acacia thornveld, Sand Forest, open grassland and natural pan systems.

The botanically unique Sand Forest, which is found only in Maputaland and Southern MoÁambique, is of major significance. The wetland habitats, including the Mzinene River and Mziki Marsh add to this exceptional diversity.

Conservation